Bag sealing machine



March 25, 1952 A. E. ALMGREN ETAL 2,590,031

BAG SEALING "MACHINE Filed Dec. 17, 1947 8 Sheets- Sheet 1 f9 INVENTOSATTORNEYS March 25, 1952 A. E. ALMGREN ETAL 2,590,081

BAG SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec. 17, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 4x INVENTORS xM ATTORNEYS March 25, 1952 A. E. ALMGREN ETAL 2,590,081

BAG SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec. 17, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS BYATTORNEYS March 25, 1952 A. E. ALMGREN ETAL 3 BAG SEALING MACHINE FiledDec. 17, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 March 25, 1952 A. E. ALMGREN EIAL2,590,031

BAG SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec. 17, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 mum lllllllllllllllllll" NJIIWM A ATTORNEYS March 25, 1952 A. E. ALMGREN ETAL 2,590,081

BAG SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec. 17, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 79 J j4 85 #4MM; 1/; 15

ATTO NEYS March 1952 A. E. ALMGREN ETAL BAG SEALING MACHINE 8Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec. 17, 1947 X g g ANE'YS Patented Mar. 25, 1952BAG SEALING MACHINE August E. Almgren, Hillside, and John P. Jakob,Roselle, N. J., assignors to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., acorporation of New Jersey Application-December 17, 1947, Serial No.792,123

11 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to a machine for sealing filled paper bagsand other flexible containers and has particular reference to devicesfor receiving a filled bag and for turning it into and throughpredetermined positions incidental to effecting the sealing of the bagand its discharge from the machine. This is a companion application toour copending United States applications Serial Number 792,122, filedDecember 17, 1947, on Sealing Head Mechanism for Closing and SealingBags and Containers; Serial Number 792,124, filed December, 17, 1947, onBag Sealing Machine; and Serial Number 792,125, filed December 17, 1947,on Method of Sealing Bags.

In the usual factory method of can making, empty cans immediately uponmanufacture are packed into large paper bags or other suitable flexible,containers for protection against contamination during shipment andstorage. The cans are placed inthe bags manually or by machine and ineither case are arranged in orderly rows and layers so that asubstantially firm and solid package results when the bag is filled andclosed. i

In packing the cans into the bag, it has been found that for bestresults, the bag should be held in a horizontal or slightly inclinedposition from the horizontal so that the cans may be handledhorizontally or substantially so. However,

in this horizontal filling position the bag is difiicult to seal. Forthis reason, the big when filled usually is turned into an uprightposition for sealing. The filled bag is handled manually for effectingthese operations.

The instant invention contemplates the provision of a machine forautomatically handling and sealing the filled bag.

An object of the invention is the provision of a single station machinefor sealing filled bags or other flexible containers which machine is ofsimple and economical construction and is well adapted to quickly turnafilled bag through a plurality of working positions incidental topositioning the bag for sealing and for handling the sealed bag duringits discharge from the machine.

Another object is the provision of such a simple machine wherein a bagsealing mechanism may be readilyincorporated in the machine so thatsealing of thebag as well as handling it may be effected in the samemachine, thereby eliminating unnecessary transfers and extra handling ofthe bag. v 7

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentas it'is better understood from the following description, which, takenin connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferredembodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a bag closing and sealing machineembodying the present invention; with parts broken away;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating the lower portion of themachine with parts shown in a diiierent position and with parts brokenaway;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the lower portion of the machine as viewedfrom the left in Fig. 1, with parts broken away;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the lower portion of the machineillustrated in Fig. 2, with parts broken away;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the upper open endof a bag filled with cans preparatory to being sealed in the machineshown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the bag closed and sealed;

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are enlarged perspective views showing a corner of abag and illustrating how the marginal corner and marginal side sectionare folded into sealing position;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a pleated corner foldtaken substantially along the line Ill-l0 inFig. 6;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged top plan view of a sealing head mechanism shownin Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line l2l2 inFig. 11 and showing the sealing head in position for sealing the openend of a filled bag, with parts broken away;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged side elevation of machine control devices locatedat-the upper right hand corner of the machine shown in Fig. 1, withparts broken away and parts in section;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the control devices shown in Fig. 13 theview being taken substantially along the line I 4-l 4 in that figure,and including an electric wiring diagram;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line I 5-l 5in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the control devices andshowing a pipin diagram for fluid operated devices for actuating thesealing head mechanism, with parts broken away;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional detail of one of a plurality of fluidslide valves included in the control devices shown in Fig. 16 with partsbroken away; and r or riveted Fig. 18 is an enlarged sectional detail ofone of a plurality of the fluid operated devices shown in Fig. 16, withparts broken away.

As a preferred embodiment of the invention the drawings illustrate asealing machine arranged to receive a bag or flexible container A (Fig.5) filled with empty cans B, for sealing. The bag is received in aposition slightly inclined to the horizontal (Fig. 2), which is thefilling position ordinarily used in can packing practice as hereinbeforementioned, and is first turned into an upright position and is thensealed. Following this sealing operation the sealed bag is rotated intoan angular position for discharge from the machine.

The bag A preferably is made of fibre material and in general is of arectangular configuration as best shown in Figs. 5 and 6. When the bagis filled with cans, a marginal edge portion C of the bag extends beyondthe top layer of cans a distance sufficient to permit folding of thisportion inwardly against a flat sheet or closure member D for completelyclosing and sealing the bag. The closure member is inserted manuallyafter the bag is filled. This closure member is provided with a band ofadhesive or glue E on its outer surface, adjacent but in spaced relationto its outer periphery, for securing the folded portion of the bag tothe closure member.

'In the machine, a filled bag A to besealed is received from anysuitable source of supply, in a rectangular shaped, sheet metal carrieror cradle 2|. (Figs. land 2 having a bottom 22, fixed side and backwalls 23; 24 respectively, a hingeable side wall 25, and ahingeablefront wall 26. The top of the cradle is open. The hingeablei side wall25 and front wall 26 are connected by hinges 21 to the bottom 22 topermit outward movement of these walls to expand the open end or mouthof thecradle to facilitate reception of armed has A.

The front wall 26 may be retained in .a partially 'open position asshown in Fig.2 or may be locked in a closed position as shown in Fig. 1.When in a partially open position it is held by a pair of latch members"29. The inner ends of these members are connected to the cradle 2| bylarge headed button s'iil which extend through elongatedslotstz in themembers and are welded to the side wal1's23, 25 of the cradle. The outerends of the members are formed with notches 34 which 'a're engageablewith pins 35 secured in the front wall 2'6 of the cradle. Stop pins 36on the'side wanszs, 25 on both sides of the-latch'members limit theswinging movementof the members.

Lockingof the front wall 26 in a closed positionis eifected preferablyby a manually operable handle SB (Fig. 2) which is mounted on a pivotpin 39 secured to the cradle side wall 23. The handle is formed with ahook 4| for engagement over a pin 42 secured in the front wall 25. The

'handlealso carries a pivotally mounted arm it which is backed up by aspring 44 on the handle and which is operable against a movable elementof an electric switch d6 mounted on the cradle side wall 23. The switchis used for starting the machine-when thecradle front wall 26 is closedas willfbe more fully explained hereinafter.

The cradle 2| is rotatable for turning a received' bagA intoa pluralityof positions for rcceivingjsalin'g and discharging the bag A ashereinbefore mentioned. For this purpose the cradle 2| is mounted on aU-shaped yoke or bracket 5| (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 which is secured to thebottom of the cradle. The upright legs of the yoke extend up adjacentthe side walls of the cradle. One leg is secured to the fixed side wall23. The other leg which is disposed adjacent the side wall 25 is spacedaway from the wall to permit opening of this wall and serves as a stopfor limiting the travel of the wall.

' The upper ends of the yoke 5| carry pivot pins 52 which are rotatablymounted in the upper ends of a U-shaped support bracket 53 disposedadjacent the yoke'5l. The support bracket 53 is mounted on the outerends of a pair of spaced and parallel movable rails 54 which at theirinner ends and intermediate their ends are pivotally carried on twopairs of parallelogram links 55. The upper ends of the four links arecarried on pivot pins 51 secured in a frame 58 having a base plate 59and which constitutes the main frame of the machine.

The cradle 2| is connected to the frame 58 by a curved tilting oractuating link 6|. One end of the link is mounted on a pivot pin '62secured in the frame. The opposite end of the link is mounted. on apivot pin 63 secured in a lug 6 which extends down from the bottom ofthe cradle adjacent its front wall 26.

The rails 54 are shifted through an outward stroke and'a return strokefor tilting or rotating the crade 2| into desired positions as will beexplained hereinafter. For this purpose the rails carry a cross-shaft 66having an arm 61, the outer end of which is pivotally connected to apiston rod 68 carrying a piston operating in a cylinder 69 bolted to thebase 59 of the main frame 58. Compressed air or other suitable fluid isintroduced into the cylinder by way of tubes 1|, 12 which are connectedto the cylinder at each end thereof and which communicatewith theinterior of the cylinder.

The fluid tubes 1|, 12 lead to and are connected into a controlvalve 13(Figs. 16 and 11) having a bore 14 containing a slideable valve plunger15. The ends of the plunger extend beyond the valve 13 and are formedwith longitudinal vent channels 16, 11 which communicate with theoutside atmosphere. Intermediate its ends the plunger is formed with anannular channel 18 which at all times communicates with an inlet tube 19secured in the valve 13. This inlet tube leads to a suitable supply ofcompressed air or other fluid.

The normal'position of the valve plunger 15 in its valve 13 is shown inFig. 1'1. In this position the lower end of the plunger blocks offcommunication between the tube 1| and the inlet tube 19 and vents thetube 1| and the cylinder 69 on one side of the piston, to the outsideatmosphere by way of the plunger vent 16. The tube 12 is incommunication with the inlet pipe 19 and. therefore is conveying fluidunder pressure to the cylinder on the opposite side of the piston. Thevent 11 is out of register with the tube 12.

The plunger 15 is yieldably retained in this normal position by a spring8| which is interposed between the outer end of the plunger and aretaining strap 82 secured to the valve. This spring presses the innerend of the plunger against a rotatable edge cam 85 which constitutes amember of a control mechanism 86. The cam is mounted on a normallystationary sleeve 81 (Fig. 14) carried on a continuously rotating shaft88 journaled in a plurality of bearings 89 formed on a control bracket9| secured to the main frame 58 at its upper end.

The shaft 88 is rotated by a worm wheel 92 rotating drive member 91.

which meshes with a worm 93 carried on a continuously rotating driveshaft 94 journaled in a bearing 95 formed on the controlbracket 9 I. Thedrive shaft is'rotated in any suitable manner. The worm wheel 92 isformed with the outer shell or driving member 91 of a conventional onerevolution clutch which surrounds a normally stationary driven member 98formed on the cam sleeve 81. The driving member is formed with adriving. notch 99 (Fig. which is adapted to be engaged by a dog IIlIlocated in a recess I02 in the driven member 98 and pivotally mounted inthe member. The dog is backed up by a spring barrel I93'1ocated in thedriven member 98.

The clutch dog IOI is normally held within the recess I02 of the drivenmember 98 by an upright flapper I95 mounted on a pivot pin I06 carriedin lugs I01 formed on the control bracket 9 I. The lower end of theflapper is pivotally connected to a movable element III of a normallyde-energized electric solenoid H2 bolted to the control bracket 9i. Thesolenoid is connected by wires II4, I I5 respectively to the cradlehandle switch 46 and to a source of electric current such as a generatorI I6 (see wiring diagram in Fig. 14) The generator and the switch areconnected by a wire I I1.

At the beginning of a cycle of operation of the machine with the partsof the machine thus far explained in their normal positions, the cradlesupport rails 54 are in an extended position similar to that shown inFig. 2 and the cradle 2| is in a nearly horizontal position'with itsfront wall 26 engaged by the latches 29 as shown in Fig. 2.

The front wall 26 and the hinged side wall are open. It is in thisposition of the cradle that a filled bag A is inserted into it, the bagresting .on the open front wall 26. The bag may be inserted manually orby a machine that fills the -.bag, as the case may be.

wall is locked shut. With these two movable walls of the cradle lockedshut the bag A within the cradle is confined against displacement.

Locking of the front wall 26 of the cradle in a closed position requiresrotation of the handle 38. During this rotation of the handle, its arm43 pushes the movable element of the electric switch 46 andthus closesthe switch. This is only a momentary action, the arm 43 immediatelysnapping past the switch element 45 as shown in Fig. 1 and therebyreleasing it to again open the switch. The switch is thus closed only on'a locking movement of the handle so that it cannot again be closed whenthe handle is shifted to open the cradle.

The momentary closing of the switch 46 temporarily energizes thesolenoid I I2 of the control mechanism 86 and this shifts the flapperI95 of the one revolution" clutch, to one side of the dos I8 I. and thusreleases the dog. The released dog is. forced outwardly by its Springbarrel I83 and thus engages in thenotch 99 of the constantly Thisengagement of the dog with the notch connects the drive member 91 to thedriven member 98 for one revolution 'of the clutchand thus rotates thecam 85 through one revolution. During this revolution of the clutch, thesolenoid becomes de-energized and thus pushes the flapper back intoposition to reengage the dog and withdraw it from the notch at the endof the one revolution. .The driven member 98, its sleeve 81, and the camcarried thereon stop rotating immediately and thus terminates the onecycle of operation of the machine.

During the rotation of the cam 85, it shifts the valve plunger I5 (Fig.17) to cut off communication between the tube I2 and the inlet tube I9and to bring the tube II into communication with the inlet tube. Thetube I2 is also vented by the vent II, and the vent I6 is cut off. Thispermits fluid from the inlet tube I9 to flow through the tube II andinto the cylinder 69 in front of its piston and thereby push the pistontoward the outer end of the cylinder (toward the right as viewed in Fig.2).

This movement of the piston swings the cradle support rails 54 on theirlinks 55 and thus draws them inwardly and downwardly into the positionshown in-Fig. 1. During this movement of the rails, the'curvecl link SIattached to the cradle, pivots or rotates the cradle 2| on its pivotpins 52 into the upright position shown in Fig. l. The filled bag A isnow in an upright position with its open top end uppermost and ready forsealing. The fluid acting against the piston in the cylinder 69 keepsthe cradle in this position during the sealing operation. Thispositionng of the bag requires only a portion of the one revolutioncycle of the machine, the remaining portions being devoted to sealingand discharging the bag.

Sealing of the bag is effected preferably by a vertically movablesealing head I2I (Figs. 1, l1 and 12) which is disposed in a positiondirectly above the uprighted cradle 2| and the bag A contained therein.The head includes a hollow rectangular shaped head frame I22 which issupported on a pair of spaced and parallel support links I23 and anactuating lever I24. The links and the lever form a parallelogram systemof support which maintains the head in a level posi'tion whilepermitting vertical travel.

The outer ends of the support links I23 are mounted on trunnions I25formed on an inverted U-shaped. bracket I26 which is secured to the headframe I22 .and'which extends across the top of the frame. The inner endsof the links are mounted on pivot pins I2! secured in the machine frame58.

The outer end of the actuating lever I24 is mounted on a pivot pin I29carried in a pair of spaced upright lugs -|3I formed on the framebracket I26. Intermediate its ends the lever is mounted on a pivot pinI32 carried in spaced upright lugs I33 formed on the machine frame 58.

Vertical movement of the sealing head IZI is eifected by the actuatinglever I24. For this purpose the lever extends back through an openingI34 in the machine frame, and at this end carries a link I35 which ispivotally'connected to a piston rod I36 having a piston which operatesWithin a vertically disposed cylinder I31 secured to the machineframe58. The ends of the cylinder are connected by tubes I4I, I42 to aValve I43 (Fig. 16) which is similar to the valve I3 and which isconnected to the fluid inlet tube I9. This valve I43 is located adjacentthe valve 13 andis actuated by an edge cam I44 mounted adjacent the cam85 on the cam sleeve 81, to connect the tubes I4I, I42 alternately withthe inlet tube 19.

Hence when the cam sleeve 81 rotates through its one revolution cycle,as hereinbefore explained, it rotates the cam I44 in time with the cam85 and thus during this cycle and at the proper time, actuates the valveI43 to admit fluid into the lower end of the cylinder I31 and to ventits upper end. This fluid pushes the piston and the rod I36 upwardly andthus rocks the actuating lever I24 on its pivot I32. Rocking of thelever I24 moves the sealing head I2I down on top of the open end of thebag as shown in Fig. 12.

Downward travel of the sealing head I-ZI is limited'by an adjustable setscrew I45 (Fig. 1) which is'threadedly secured in a lug 146 onthemachine frame58 and which .is engageable againste boss I4'I formed onthe actuating lever I24. This screw locates the head in a properposition on the bag. A tapered hood I48 (Figs. '1 and i2) secured to thebottom of the head frame I22 guides the upstanding marginal edge portionC of the bag A into the head as the latter moves down over it for thesealing operation and thereby prevents crushing or distortion of thisportion of the bag. After the sealing operation the head IZI is raisedto its normal elevated position as shown in Fig. l, by the action of thecam I44 on its valve I43, permitting fluid to enter the cylinder I3'Ithrough the tube I742 whileventing the tube I4I.

While the sealing head I2I is in sealing position on the open end of thebag A. it folds the upstanding marginal edge portion C of the baginwardly and downwardly against the adhesive coated portions of theclosure member D and thus seals the bag. This folding operationpreferably is effected in two stages, a corner folding stage and a sidefolding stage, to produce a neat appearing fold as best shown in Fig. 6.

Folding of the corners of the upstanding marginal edge portion isbrought about by four triangular shaped corner folding elements II(Figsfll, 8, 9 and 11) which are-located one at each corner of the headframe I22 and which are normally in an upright position. These elementsare mounted on pivot pins I5 2 carried in pairs of spaced lugs I53 whichproject downwardly from the inside of the head frame at its corners.Each folding element is formed with a spair of spaced actuating arms I55which. are :pivotally connected to the lower end of a link I56. Theupper end of the link is connected .to ,apiston rod I51 (Figs. 16 and18) having a piston I58 which operates in a cylinder I59. There are.four of these cylinders and they are locatedone at each corner of thehead frame I22 and are secured to the frame as shown in Fig. 18.

All four of the corner cylinders I59 (Fig. 16)

. are connected at their upper ends to andare in communication with afluid supply pipe- IBI having a lead pipe I62 connected by a flexibletube I63 to a valve I54 which is similar to the valve 'I3 (Fig. 17) andwhichv is located adjacent the valve I43.

.The lower endsof the cylinders I59 are connectedby and areincommunication with a fluid, supply pipe I65 having a lead pipe I66connected by aflexible tube I61 to the valve I64. The valve I64 like theother valves I3. I43 is con- .nected to the fluid inlet tube I9 and isoperated to bring the supply pipes I6I, I66 alternately ;=intocommunication with the inlet tube I9. Ac-

as shown in Fig. 16 and is rotated by this:s leeve Hence during the onerevolution cycle of the earn sleeve 81, as hereinbefore expla ed, the ede earn I68 actuates the valve I64 to permit fluid from the main inlettube I9 to fiow through the lower supply pipe I65 whileventing the'upper supply pipe I6 I and to enter all of the corner cylinders I59simultaneously, below the pistons I58, This fluid pushes the pistonsupand there-. by simultaneously rocks all'of the corner folding elementsI5I inwardly and downwardly against the corners of the upstandingmarginaledge portionC of the bag to be sealed, as bestshown in Fig.7.

This action of the corner folding elements I5I -folds the corners of themarginal edge portion C inwardly and downwardly against the adhesivecoated portion of the closure member Din the top of the bag. The cornerelements I.5I hold these corner sections in this folded Dosition whilethe side portions of the marginal edge portion C are folded inwardlyin'a similar manner as will now be explained.

The side portions of the marginal edge portion C .are folded into placebya plurality of side folding elements I'II which are normally disposedin an upright position. These side fold,- ing elements III are locatedinside the head frame I22 and extend along the sides of the bag A to besealed, from one corner element I5 l to the other. Each side foldingelement I'II is formed with, a pair of spaced lugs I12 carried in abracket.II.4 secured to the inner face of the head frame I22.

The side folding elements I'II. are hinged toward and away from the bagA to be sealed by arms I16 which are. secured to the folding e 1ements,There isone arm foreach foldingelement. The outer end of .e ach arm I16is Divo ally connected tov an upright link'. I Illthefupper end of whichis pivotally connected to a piston rod I16 of a cylinder I19 (see Fig.16) carried onthe head frame I22. There is. onecylinder I19. for .eachfolding element. Thesecylinders aresirnilar in construction andoperation tofthe corne1yfolding.cylinders I59 shown in Fig 18.

The upper ends of .all of the side folding cylinders I19 are connectedby and are in com- .m nic i i h afl i u pl m e m (P a l6.

ha a ea p p 182. onn c ed b a flexib tube I83 to a valve I84 which issimilar to t h e valve I3 (Fig.1?) and which is located adjacent thevalve I64. The lower ends of the cylinders I19 are connected by andare'in communication w th av fl d, s pply p pe .85.. .har a ead P p I85connected by a flexible tubeIBfI to the valve I84. The. valve I84 likethe ot er teem. I43. I64, is connected to the fluid inletitube l9 and iso er t in hQ- 1 PP1 -QiP 1, I8 t t y nto communica ion w th the inl tubeI9. Actuation ofthe valve. M34 is brou h aboutby an edge cam I68. whichis mounted on the. ca sleeve 81 adia ntthc. orner. fold n element.actuating cam I68 .as shown inlfig 1 6 and is rotated by this sleeve.

Hence during the one revolution cycle of the cam sleeve 81, ashereinbefore explained, the edge cam I88 actuates the valve I84 topermit. fluid from the inlet tube I9 to fiow through the lower supplypipe I85, while venting the upper supply pipe I8I, and to enter all ofthe side folding. cylinders I19 simultaneously, below the pistons in thecylinders. This fluid pushes the pistons up and thereby simultaneouslyrocks allot the side din el ment 111 inwardly. and downwardly aga npstandin mar inal ed e rtion 0 of the bag to be sealed, as best showninFig. 8. This action ofqthe side folding elements III folds the sidesof the marginal edge portion C inwardly and downwardly against theadhesive coated portion of the closure member D in the top of the bag.

While the side folding elements I! I. temporarily hold down the foldedover side portions of the marginal edge portion 0, the corner foldingelements are quickly lifted as shown in Fig. 9 to release their hold onthe folded over corners of the edge portion C. This permits the foldedover side portions, adjacent the corner portions to overlap the cornerportions as shown in Fig. 9. The corner elements |5| are immediatelypressed down again to crease these overlapping sections of the sideportions to provide a neat appearing corner 'fold as best shown in Fig.10. This action of the corner folding elements is brought about by thecam I68 during its operation of the valve While the folded over sectionsof marginal edge portion C of the bag are temporarily held in place bythe corner folding elements I5| and the side folding elements I 1|, theinner edges of this portion are pressed down against the closure memberD to complete the sealing of the bag. This is brought about by arectangular shaped sealing pad I9I (Figs. 11 and 12) which is disposedin the sealing head |2I and which is of proper proportions to fit withinthe outline defined by the inner edges of the closed corner and sidefolding elements I5I, Ill respectively.

The sealing pad I9| is normally held in suspension within the head by apair of vertical spaced and parallel rods I92 (Figs. 11 and 12). Thelower ends of the rods are secured in bosses I93 formed on the pad.These rods extend up through a pair of slide bearings I94 formed in thebracket I26 and at their upper ends carry locknuts I95 threadedlysecured thereto. Compression springs I96 surrounding the rods andinterposed between the slide bearings I94 and the locknuts I95, retainthe sealing pad in yieldable suspension.

The sealing pad |9| is moved down into engagement with the bag A, by apair of edge cams I98 which operate against a pair of Spaced C rollersI99 carried in lugs 20I formed on the sealing pad. The cams are mountedon a crossshaft 202, the ends of which are carried in bearings 203formed'in the upright portions of the bracket I26. The shaft isoscillated at the proper time by an arm 205 (see also Fig. 1) which ismounted on the shaft. The outer end of the arm is connected by a link206 to a piston rod 207 having a piston operating in a sealing pad aircylinder 208 which is secured to the bracket I26 and which is similar tothe cylinder I59 shown in Fig. 18..

The upper end of the cylinder 208 is in communication with and isconnected by a, flexible tube 2 to a valve 2I2 (Fig. 16) which issimilar to the valve I3 shown in Fig. 17 and which is disposed adjacentthe valve I84. The lower end of the cylinder 208 is in communicationwith and is connected by a flexible tube 2 l3 to the valve 2 I2. Thevalve like the other valves I3, I43, I64, I84 is connected to the fluidinlet tube I9 and is oper ated to bring the tubes 2| I, 2|3alternatelyinto communication with the inlet tube I9. Actuation of thevalve 2 I 2 is brought about by an edge cam 2I5 which is mounted on thecam sleeve 8! adjacent the side folding element actuating cam I88 asshown in Fig. 16 and is rotated by the sleeve.

Hence during the one revolution cycle of the cam sleeve 87, ashereinbefore explained, the edge cam 2I5 actuates the valve 2I2 topermit fluid from the inlet tube 19 to flow through the upper flexibletube 2, while venting the lower tube 2I3, to lower'the sealing pad |9|into sealing position on top of the bag as hereinbefore explained. Thepad is pressed down tightly to effectthe sealing operation and is thenlifted along with the head I2| to permit discharge of the sealed bag.The corner and the side folding elements I5I, III are also'hinged intoan upright position in readiness for the next bag. This raising of thepad, the head, and the folding elements is effected by their cams 2I5,I44, I68, IBB'and.

their respective valves 2I2, I43, I64, I84 to permit the flow of fluidin the opposite direction, into the cylinders connected with thesevalves.

When the head |2I is clear of the sealed bag, the cradle 2| is tiltedforward into the inclined position shown in Fig. 2 to permit the removalof the bag. This removal of the bag may be effected manually. Tilting ofthe cradle 2| is effected by its cam 85 as the cam sleeve 8! approachesthe end of its one revolution cycle. The cam actuates its valve 13 toopen communication between the fluid supply tube I2 and the inlet tubeI9 While venting the tube II by way of the vent 16 (Fig. 17) in thevalve plunger I5. Fluid thereby flows into the cylinder 69 in back ofits piston and thus pushes the cradle support bars 54 outwardly. Thismovement of the bars tilts the cradle. The cradle is held in this tiltedposition by a stop member 2| 8 which is secured to the bracket 53' andwhich engages against the bracket 5| (Fig. 2).

Upon tilting of the cradle into position for removal of the sealed bag,the flapper (Fig. 15) of the one revolution clutch, engages the drivingdog I0| and presses it back into its recess I02 of the clutch drivenmember 98 and this releases this member from the driving member 91. Thecam sleeve 8! thereupon stops rotating. This completes the cycle ofoperation of the machine.

When the cradle 2| is in position for removal of the bag, the handle 38is shifted to unlock the front wall 26, and the latches 29 are lifted torelease them from their pins 35. The front wall 26 thereupon falls intothe position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2 and permits the sealed bagto fall out of the cradle.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantageswill be understood from the foregoing description, and it will beapparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages; the formhereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

We claim:

1. In a machine for sealing a bag or other flexible container filledwith articles, the combination of a movable support, a cradle carried onsaid support for receiving and holding a filled bag to be sealed, saidcradle having a movable side wall expandable to receive and contractibleto hold a bag in said cradle, means operable against said cradle throughthe movement of said support for shifting said cradle into differentpositions including positions for receiving, sealing and dischargingsaid fllled bag, actuat- 11 ing means for moving said support, lockingmeans on said cradle for locking said movable wall in contractedposition, and starting means engaged by said locking means when the wallis moved into contracted bag holding position for starting saidactuatingmeans.

2.. In a machine for sealing a bag or other flexible container filledwith articles, the combination of a frame, a support movably mounted onsaid frame, a cradle pivotally carried on said support for receiving andholding a filled ba to be sealed, and a tilting link having one endconnected with said cradle and having its opposite end movably anchoredto said frame for tilting said cradle into different positions includingbag receiving, sealing and discharging positions through the movement ofsaid support.

3. In a machine for sealing a bag or other flexible container filledwith articles, the combination of a frame, a plurality of parallelogramlinks pivotally carried on said frame, a movable support member carriedon said parallelogram links, a cradle pivotally mounted on said supportfor receiving and holding a filled bag to be sealed, and a tilting linkconnecting with said cradle and said frame for tilting said cradle withthe movement of said support member into a plurality of positionsincluding bag receiving, sealing and discharging positions.

4. In a machine for sealing a bag or other flexible container fillingwith articles, the combination of a frame, a support movably mounted onsaid frame, a cradle pivotally carried on said support for receiving andholding a filled bag to be sealed, a tilting link connecting with saidcradle and said frame, means operable against said cradle through themovement of said support and under control of said tilting link forshifting said cradle into various positions including positions forreceiving, sealing and discharging said filled bag, and actuating meansfor shifting said movable support into positions determined by therequired positions of said cradle.

5. In a machine for sealing a bag or other flexible container filledwith articles, the combination of a movable support, a cradle carried onsaid support for receiving and holding a filled bag to be sealed, meansoperable against said cradle through the movement of said support forshifting said cradle into various positions including positions forreceiving, sealing and discharging said filled bag, a support actuatincylinder having a fluid actuated member for shifting said movablesupport into positions determined by the required positions of saidcradle, a sealing. head unit comprising folding and sealing elements.movable relative to the open end of a bag in said cradle for sealing thebag when the cradle is in its sealing position, sealing head actuatingcylinders having fluid actuated membars for moving said sealing headunit into sealing position on said bag and for operating said foldingand sealing elements, and control mechanism for timing the operations ofsaid support actuating cylinder and said sealing head actuatingcylinders.

6. In a machine for sealing a bag or other flexible container filledwith articles, the combination of a cradle having a bottom, side and endwalls and an open top, one of said end walls and one of said side wallsbeing connected hingedly' to said bottom and movable outwardly to expandsaid open top to facilitate the reception of a filled bag into saidcradle and for the dis.-

charge of the bag from said cradle after it is sealed, said hinged sideand endgualls also being movable inwardly to engage the filled bag andto hold it .in desired shape while it is being sealed, devices carriedon said cradle for locking said hinged side and end walls in closedposition, a movable support for said cradle, and means operable againstsaid cradle through the movement of saidsupport for shifting said cradleinto various positions including positions for receiving, sealing anddischarging the filled bag.

7. In a machine for sealing a bag or other flexible container filledwith articles, the combination, of a cradle having an open top and aplurality of movable walls, said movable walls, being expandable tofacilitate the reception and discharge of a filled bag into and out ofsaid cradle, said walls also being contractable to engage a filled bagand to hold it while it is being sealed, a movable support for saidcradle, means for moving said support through a cycle of operation,tilting means connecting with said cradle and actuated by said supportto swing said cradle into different positions including positions forreceiving, sealing and discharging the filled bag, and devices carriedon said cradle for simultaneously locking the movable walls of thecradle .in contracted position and for starting the cycle of operationof the means for moving said support.

8. In a machine for sealing a bag or other flexible container filledwith articles, the combination of a frame, a movable support mounted onsaid frame, a cradle pivotally carried on said support for receiving andholding a filled bag, means for moving said support, means operableagainst said cradle through the movement of said support for shiftingsaid cradle into various positions including angularly disposedreceiving and discharging positions and an upright sealing position, aplurality of parallelogram links pivotally carried on said frame and asealing head unit carried on said parallelogram links and movablelongitudinally relative to said cradle when the latter is in uprightposition for sealing the bag held in said cradle.

9. In a machine for sealing a bag or flexible container filled witharticles, the combination of a frame, two sets of parallelogram linkspivotally carried on said frame, a movable support carried on one set ofsaid parallelogram links, a cradle pivotally carried on said support forreceiving and holding a filled bag, means for moving said support, atilting link connecting with said cradle and said frame for tilting saidcradle with the movement of said support member into various positionsincluding angularly disposed receiving and discharging positions and anupright sealing position, a sealing head unit carried on the other ofsaid sets of parallelogram links and movable longitudinally relative tosaid cradle when the latter is in upright position for sealing the bagheld in said cradle, and means controlling the actuation of said sealinghead unit and the means for moving said support for synchronizing theircycles of operation.

10. A machine for sealing a filled bag or other flexible container,comprising a fixed frame having a support movably mounted thereon, acradle tiltably mounted on said support for receiving and holding afilled bag, means for moving said support in opposite directionsrespectively for receiving and sealing said bag, actuating meansconnecting said cradle to said frame and cooperating with said movingmeans to tilt the cradle into bag receiving position when said supportis moved in one direction and into bag sealing position when the supportis moved in the opposite direction, a sealing head movably mounted onsaid frame, and means for moving said head into sealing engagement withsaid bag when the cradle is in sealing position.

11. A machine for sealing a filled bag or other flexible container,comprising a fixed frame having a support movably mounted thereon, acradle tiltably mounted on said support for receiving and holding afilled bag, means for moving said support in opposite directionsrespectively for receiving and discharging said bag and for holding andsealing said bag, actuating means connecting said cradle to said frameand cooperating with said moving means to tilt the cradle into bagreceiving and discharging position when said support is moved in onedirection and into bag holding and sealing position when the support ismoved in the opposite direction, a sealing head movably mounted on saidframe, and means for moving said head into sealing engagement with saidbag when the cradle is in bag holding and Sealing position.

AUGUST E. ALMGREN.

JOHN P. JAKOB.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNI'IED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,989,471 Belcher Jan. 29, 19352,027,434 Jurgens et al Jan. ll, 1936

